Business English Vocabulary and Grammar Essentials

Essential Business English Vocabulary

Pursue

To follow or chase (someone or something); to strive to gain or accomplish (a goal) over a long period.

Boardroom

A room where a company's board of directors meets.

Storm

To enter suddenly and forcefully (e.g., storm the boardroom).

Account for

To represent or form a particular proportion or part of something.

Fulfilling

Achieving satisfaction or happiness through one's actions; satisfying.

Single-handedly

Done by one person alone; without help.

Slightly

To a small degree; not considerably; a little bit.

Gruffly

In a rough, stern, or abrupt manner.

Although

Conjunction meaning 'in spite of the fact that'; similar to 'but'.

Stepped back

To move back physically or mentally; to withdraw from a situation to gain perspective.

Day-to-day running (of the company)

The daily operational management of a company or organization.

Going places

Phrase indicating someone is talented and likely to be successful in the future.

Credits (someone for something)

To publicly acknowledge someone's contribution or responsibility for something positive.

Basic business sense

Fundamental understanding of business principles and practices.

Work your way up

To advance gradually in a company or hierarchy, typically through hard work and experience.

Ranks

A position in an organization, society, or hierarchy.

Grim

Forbidding or uninviting; serious, gloomy, or depressing.

Cunning

Having or showing skill in achieving one's ends by deceit or evasion; clever.

Family background

The social, economic, educational, and cultural environment provided by one's family.

Qualifications

Skills, experience, education, or other attributes that make someone suitable for a job or role.

Handwriting

A person's particular style of writing with a pen or pencil.

Covering letter (or Cover Letter)

A letter sent with, and explaining the contents of, another document, such as a resume or curriculum vitae (CV).

Sleek

Smooth, glossy, and streamlined; elegant and stylish.

Worth

The value, importance, usefulness, or potential of someone or something.

Nearly

Very close to; almost.

Workforce

The people engaged in or available for work, either in a country, area, or a particular company or industry; staff.

Fulfill

To achieve or realize something desired, promised, or predicted.

Driving forces

The key people or factors that initiate, motivate, and propel development or change.

Remarkably

In a way that is worthy of attention; notably or surprisingly.

Jointly

Together with one or more other parties; collectively.

Effective policies

A set of rules, principles, or guidelines that successfully achieve the desired results.

Key Job Skills

Important skills often sought by employers include:

• Dynamic
• Proactive
• Good communication skills
• Organized
• Realistic
• Hardworking
• Motivated
• Multitasking ability

English Grammar: Verb + Infinitive or Gerund

Some English verbs can be followed by an infinitive (to + verb) or a gerund (verb + -ing). Sometimes the meaning changes.

Verbs Typically Followed by Infinitive

These verbs are often followed by to + verb:

• want
• forget (meaning: fail to remember to do something)
• consider (can sometimes take gerund too, context matters)
• choose
• need
• expect
• agree
• afford
• would like/love/prefer

Example: I want to go to New York.

Verbs Typically Followed by Gerund (-ing)

These verbs are often followed by verb + -ing:

• finish
• delay
• suggest
• don't mind
• can't help
• avoid
• enjoy
• keep

Example: I have finished working.

Verbs Followed by Infinitive OR Gerund (Meaning Change)

Some verbs can take either form, but the meaning changes:

• Remember
  • Remember + infinitive: Remember you have a duty to do something. (Focus on the future action)
    Example: I have to remember to study for the accounting exam.
  • Remember + gerund: Recall a past action or event. (Focus on the past memory)
    Example: I remember studying for the exam last week.
• Forget
  • Forget + infinitive: Forget to do something you were supposed to do.
    Example: Don't forget to lock the door.
  • Forget + gerund: Forget a past event or action (lose the memory).
    Example: I'll never forget seeing the Grand Canyon.
• Stop
  • Stop + infinitive: Stop doing one action in order to do another. (Purpose)
    Example: I have stopped to smoke. (Meaning: I stopped what I was doing *in order to* smoke.)
    Example: I have stopped to write. (Meaning: I stopped what I was doing *in order to* write.)
  • Stop + gerund: Cease an ongoing action; quit.
    Example: I have stopped smoking. (Meaning: I quit the habit of smoking.)
    Example: I have stopped writing. (Meaning: I finished the act of writing.)
• Start (Often similar meaning, but infinitive can suggest initiation of a habit/longer process, gerund a general action)

More Examples

• I want to go to New York. (Infinitive after 'want')
• I have finished working. (Gerund after 'finish')
• I must be careful driving. (Gerund often used after prepositions or in certain constructions like 'be careful doing something')

Modal Verbs in English

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express necessity, possibility, permission, or ability. Common modal verbs include:

• must
• can
• could
• should
• will
• may
• might
• shall
• would

Example: I must be careful driving.